Rowing Machines – Raising Funds and Fitness

Training on rowing machines to take on major competitions and events is one way of raising much needed charitable funds.

Rowing machines are accessible and affordable; it’s no wonder that so many people choose rowing machines as a way to get fit. But rowing is also a great sport to raise money for charity. One group of committed rowers put an alternative twist on the London Marathon by swapping their running shoes for oars. The University of Salford’s rowing team trains on rowing machines and races on rivers, but this year, while thousands line up in London for the 26.2 mile run, the rowers will be climbing into their boat on the Manchester Ship Canal. The idea evolved from the suggestion the rowing club could run the Marathon for charity. But as rowing was their passion, they decided to keep training on rowing machines rather than start pounding the pavements, and swapped the run for a row.

Rowing for charity

The distance is long and the team trained hard on rowing machines to ensure they were up to the challenge. And like the Marathon, the team put the pressure on by challenging themselves to raise money for charity, in this case the children’s medical research charity, SPARKS. Unlike running however, the rowing team couldn’t do it in fancy dress; rowing, whether it’s done using rowing machines or in a boat, demands that the legs and arms are free from obstruction. Obstruction not only damages your stroke but could impact on posture resulting in muscle strains or injury.

Rowing machines – Get in training

As well as rowing clubs and teams taking on challenges, individuals have been known to take on massive obstacles to raise funds for charity. Tim Bradbury and Mick Norman both succeeded in rowing the Atlantic – both in their mid-fifties. The duo increased their fitness training using rowing machines. The idea came to Tim during a sailing conference. Intense fitness training and planning were crucial for the adventurous pair’s success. The two not only had an adventure of a lifetime, they raised money for four charities – The Alzheimer’s Society, Wateraid, Macmillan Cancer Relief and The Eden Valley Hospice. Rowing machines are a fast track to fitness, no matter what your age, and Tim and Mick proved it’s never to late to take on a mighty adventure with the right training, outlook and determination. Rowing machines are a great way to get fit for other sports too, like golf www.scottsdalegolf.co.uk for example. Get fit and play better.